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Then I noticed, in all my pain and sickness,what music it…

“Then I noticed, in all my pain and sickness,what music it was that like crackled and boomed on the sound-track, and it was Ludwig van, the last movement of the Fifth Symphony, and I creeched like bezoomny at that. "Stop!" I creeched. "Stop, you grahzny disgusting sods. It's a sin, that's what it…” quote by Anthony Burgess
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““Then I noticed, in all my pain and sickness,what music it was that like crackled and boomed on the sound-track, and it was Ludwig van, the last movement of the Fifth Symphony, and I creeched like bezoomny at that. "Stop!" I creeched. "Stop, you grahzny disgusting sods. It's a sin, that's what it is, a filthy unforgivable sin, you bratchnies!””

Anthony Burgess

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

In intense pain, the narrator hears a powerful symphonic climax, provoking a visceral, almost animalistic reaction that he labels sinful and grotesque.

In simple terms: Music triggers a violent, sinful reaction in the narrator.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how art can provoke strong emotions.

Themes

pain music violence morality

Mood

dark intense

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • listening to music
  • experiencing trauma
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

psychology aesthetic experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the music symbolize for him?
  • How does pain alter perception of art?
A Different Perspective

The narrator’s moral judgment may be distorted by distress.

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